The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1887-05-24
1nr sorn uAY IN OnARnorrE.

What q Representative OF "The News and
Herald" Saw and Heard on. the Day OF
Days to BIecl<lonburgitcs.
The twentieth of May is to.the oiti-
zen of Charlotte aud Mecklenburg
county what the Mardi Gras is to New
Orleans. Independence Square in that
city has been Justly styled the cradle
in which young liberty was first rocked
in America. The citizens of Charlotte
had made grand preparations for prop
erly observing the one hundred and
twenty-fifth anniversary Of that i'm
portant event, and at an early hour on
Friday crowds of people began to fill
the streets Of the city, although the
light shower Of rain prevented many
from attending who would have other
wise been present.
The important event of tho occa-
sion was the grand Interstate fire.
mems tournament and band contest.
Among the visiting firemen were the
Pioneers of Anderson, the Indepen-
dent Hook and Ladder Company of
Anderson, and tho Phoenix Hook and
Ladder Company of Columbia. The
Young America Cornet Band Of An
derson was tho only representative
from the Palmetto State in the musical
contest.
At noon the procession was formed,
and after marching through the prin-
cipal streets Of the city, wero drawn
up in Independence Square, where an
address of welcome was delivered by
Mr.. +. B. Mcdowell, the mayor of
the city.
The steamer contests were the only
ones which took place on Friday. The
Hornet firemen Of Charlotte carried Off
the first honor OF the day--a cash
prize of $100. The Acme Company
of Monroe, N. c., were successful in
carrying off the second prize Of $50 in
cash.
This closed the contest among the
french, and the crowd then pro-
ceeded to the Base Ball Park to wit
ness the contest with the willow and
ball between the Charlotte and Culum-
bia Base Ball Clubs. The former had
considerably ratified the Columbias on
the evening previous, and Of course
were the favorites. After very
pretty game the Charlottes were again
declared victorious by score of II to
3, much to the chagrin of the Colum-
bias and their friends.
Tne event of the evening was the
plume drill of the Hornet Nest Rifle
men, under command Of Capt. Il. Ross
Robertson, formerly of our town. At
the hour appointed this celebrated
Company fell into line at their armory
and marched to the Academy of Music
to participate in tho annual plume
drill. After some musical perform
.ances by noted musicians from various
portlons of the State, the drill was
commenced, and after sharp contest
the plume was awarded to Sergt.
Mack Davis. The contest narrowed
down to Sergt. Davis and Sergt.
Irwin, SergG. Davis winning by short
odds. This is one Of the Oldest COM
panies in tho State. Capt. ERobert-
son has done much to build up this
Company, and has increased its num-
ber considerably. They have just pur-
chased q handsome invisible green
uniform, which for richness of color
and general finish is hard to beat.
just after the exercises of the drill
were over the military and civilians
proceeded down stairs to o festival
gotten up by the ladies of Charlotte
for the purpose of raising money to
help to pay for the now uniforms.
The Hornets were at Yorktown dur
ing the centennial excises, and their
double quick across deep sandy field
in the hot sun in order to salute the
South Carolina Battalion as ilacame up
is courtesy which will not be over
looked by any soldier of South Caro-.
lima. Long live this gallant Company,
reared in the cradle of libertyl
Saturday morning was bright and
clear, and the crowd which thronged
the streets of the old historic city was
even greater than on the day previous.
The first event of the morning was
the band contest. There were only
three ontries-.the Charlotte, the Neck
lenburg, composed Of young men Of
tho county, and the Anderson band,
composed Of small boys, bnt who have
gained considerable reputation in our
State as musicians. Each contestant
was required to play three pieces
alternately. After tho first round it
was evident that the Palmetto boys
were tho favorites and would likely
win. 1t was rare musical treat, and
at is conclusion the judges awarded
the cash prize of $50 to the Young
America Cornet Band of Anderson.
This announcement was greeted with
loud cheering while dozen strong
mon literally picked up the stand and
carried it through the streets while tho
little fellows rendered another piece.
In the afternoon the reel and the
Hook and Ladder contest took place.
The first prize in the former was
awarded to the Pioneers Of Charlotte,
who also carried off the honor in the
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